Top12 Liposuction and Fat Transfer Questions

Liposuction and Fat transfer, also known simply as liposuction fat transfer, is a great way to naturally contour the face and body. Fat transfer involves removing fat from one part of the body and injecting it into another area.

For example, you can have fat removed from your abdomen and injected into your face or a transfer procedure to the buttocks (which is known as a Portland Brazilian butt lift.

If you have wondered if liposuction and fat transfer (also known as fat grafting) is for you, we answer some of the most common questions about this plastic surgery procedure below.

Where Can I Have Fat Removed?

Many patients want liposuction and fat transfer on their abdomen and flanks and use the fat to sculpt the rear. Some of the liposuction areas where fat can be removed for transfer include:

• Chin
• Neck
• Chest
• Arms
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Knees
• Buttocks
• Ankles
• Back
• Bra rolls

Where Can I Have Fat Transferred?

Fat can be transferred to any part of the body. Many patients want the fat injected into their butts for more size and shape.

Other patients want fat injected into the face to make them look younger. Popular choices include in the temples, under the eyes, and in the cheeks. In addition, some fat transfer patients want fat injected into the back of the hands or top of the feet.

How Long Do The Injections Last?

When your surgeon injects the fat, they will overfill the space by 20% or 30%. This is because some fat will die during the first two or three months after fat transfer. The fat that survives isn't absorbed by the body and will stay there for years.

Many patients report that the fat transferred during fat grafting will remain there for 10 or 20 years, or even longer. However, transferred fat acts just like regular fat, which can change with age and weight changes.

How Many Procedures Are Required?

One fat grafting procedure usually does the job for face enhancements, but a few may need a follow-up procedure.

If you have scars or depressions, two to four fat grafting procedures may be needed. Your plastic surgeon will review your case and know how many fat grafting sessions you need.

How Long Does The Procedure Take?

Fat transfer sessions can take between 15 minutes and two hours, depending on the area being treated and the results you want.

Many surgeons give their patients oral sedatives to relax them. In that case, you will need a friend or family member to take you home.

How Much Downtime Is There?

One of the advantages of lipo fat transfer is that downtime is minimal. You may have mild discomfort for one or two days until most of the swelling recedes. The rest of the swelling can take as long as a week to fade.

Your plastic surgeon will give you prescription pain drugs if you need them after your fat transfer procedure. Most patients can return to light activities, such as walking, right away. But you may need to wait another week or two to resume more strenuous activities.

How Much Of The Transferred Fat Will Survive?

It's well known that not all transferred fat will survive the procedure. But up to 50% of the fat cells survive over the long term after fat transfer.

This happens because the fat loses its oxygen supply when removed from the body. But your surgeon will use care when the fat cells are transferred to the new location. That way, enough fat will develop a blood supply and survive.

Your surgeon has the skill and experience to know how much extra fat to add during your fat transfer for the best results. But some patients may need additional treatment with additional fat cells injected.

What About Scarring?

Injecting excess fat into the new location only requires small incisions. So most patients have tiny scars that are almost invisible. The scars are hard to see unless you look closely and know what to look for.

What Is The Best Age To Have Liposuction Fat Transfer?

Patients have excellent results at many ages. However, many patients in their 30s and 40s have fat transfer in their rears, face, chin, and other areas.

You also can have autologous fat transfer in your 50s and 60s. If you want a face procedure, you may want a facelift or neck lift once you are well into your 50s. Liposuction with fat transfer can work wonders, but it can't do everything. Fat transfer alone may not provide the results you seek.

Am I A Good Candidate?

The best candidates for fat transfer (fat grafting) are healthy adults near their ideal body weight. These patients may have deflation in the skin over time or may want to boost the volume in parts of their bodies.

The best candidates also have enough excess fat in the donor sites. If you are very thin, you may not be a candidate for this procedure.

What About Fat Transfer To The Breasts?

Many women want to augment their breasts through plastic surgery. The most common choice is with breast implants, but not everyone wants plastic surgery and recovery. Some patients also don't want the scars associated with breast implants. Breast fat transfer is an alternative to breast implants.

You can have fat injected into your breasts to give yourself a slight size increase. This is a natural way to have Portland breast augmentation and is becoming more popular.

What Are The Risks Of Fat Transfer?

Fat transfer is a proven and safe procedure with a low risk of complications. In addition, you shouldn't experience side effects if a skilled, experienced surgeon does it.

The significant liposuction risk is if someone who doesn't have much experience in the procedure performs the fat transfer process. Also, you may need more than one procedure for the best results.

Request A Liposuction Fat Transfer Consultation

Thinking about liposuction fat transfer in Portland? Questions about liposuction and fat transfer cost? Dr. Aric Aghayan is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery. He'll go over the options, goals, and more to determine if you're an ideal candidate for this procedure.

References

• Fat Transfer Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.smartbeautyguide.com/procedures/injectables/fat-transfer/
• About Fat Transfer. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.isaps.org/procedures/body/fat-transfer-body/